Abstract Manager

In May 2022, a combination of record rainfall and snowmelt triggered flash flooding in Manitoba's Duck Mountain Provincial Park. These record-high flows washed out five critical crossings along PR 366 and 367 at Garland River, Roaring River, and West Favel River. Historically, MTI utilized culverts at these locations due to cost and construction efficiency. However, evolving climate patterns have exposed the limitations of these legacy structures which are increasingly undersized against intensifying hydraulic demands and heavy debris loads. Following this event and previous periodic washouts, MTI proactively pivoted toward planning resilient infrastructure designed to maintain a state of good repair long into the future.

With climate stressors placing increasing hydraulic loads on infrastructure, adherence to modern standards such as the CSA S6 Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications has become essential. MTI's emergency preparedness planning facilitated the engagement of Dillon Consulting to deliver expedited preliminary design, detailed design, and construction advisory services. The project team selected precast concrete components to minimize construction timelines and reduce in-stream environmental impacts. These resilient designs prioritize the protection of the park's sensitive ecosystem, including provisions for fish habitat connectivity, bird nesting, and foliage preservation, while restoring reliable access along the provincial highway network for industry and the community. This presentation explores the expedited transition from vulnerable culverts to resilient bridges in the face of climate change.